THE GODWINS THE GODWINS’ POWER HAROLD EMBASSY TO NORMANDY (1064) THE RISING AGAINST TOSTIG (1065) LAND: Controlled earldoms of Wessex (Earl Godwin, In 1064 Harold went on a special mission to Normandy In 1065, Tostig Godwinson was thrown out of Northumbria by Harold saw Tostig as a rival for then passed to Harold Godwinson), East Anglia (Gyrth), for King Edward, but was captured in Ponthieu. his own people. He was unpopular for several reasons: the throne, so the uprising was Northumbria (Tostig) and Kent (Leofwine). He was rescued by William of Normandy. Harold stayed o He was a southerner, so he didn’t fit in in the Danelaw a handy way of getting rid of CONNECTIONS: Godwin’s daughter Edith (sister of with William and supposedly swore an oath, pledging o He abused his power, creating new laws and killing rivals him. Harold etc.) was married to Edward the Confessor. to support William’s claim to the English throne. o He brought in heavy taxes on his people This was important because the WEALTH: Lots of land = lots of money. Very important because William used it to boost his o He didn’t defend Northumbria from Scottish attacks following year, Tostig returned STRENGTH: Controlled thousands of thegns. Harold and claim to the throne. When Harold became king in 1066, Edward ordered the other earls to stop the uprising, but they with Harald Hardrada to fight Tostig were successful warriors. William said he had broken his oath. ignored him. Even Tostig’s brother Harold didn’t help him! against his own brother! SOCIETY SUCCESSION CRISIS, 1066 SOCIAL STRUCTURE MONARCHY ANGLO-SAXON EDWARD’S DEATH BATTLE #1: GATE FULFORD ENGLAND KING – the most powerful person in England. King was very powerful: Edward the Confessor died 5th Jan 1066. September 20th 1066 He made laws and protected the country. o Made and enforced laws C.1060-1066 He was childless no heir to take over! Harald Hardrada & Tostig vs. English earls EARLS – important men, often advisers to the o Controlled money Harold Godwinson was crowned by the Witan. Edwin and Morcar. king. Controlled large areas called earldoms. o Owned and gave out land Harold’s first action was to put troops on the Edwin and Morcar made the mistake of THEGNS – local lords who controlled areas of o Could raise an army South coast (expecting an attack from Normandy). fighting outside York rather than inside its land larger than five hides. Had to provide men o Controlled taxes It was not this simple though – others felt they had walls – they were defeated. for the fyrd (army) when needed. Had a group of advisers called the Witan, a claim to the throne… PEASANTS – (this was most of the population) made up of important people e.g. earls and BATTLE #2: STAMFORD BRIDGE farm labourers who worked for their local archbishops. Witan had a major role in THE CLAIMANTS TO THE THRONE September 25th 1066 thegn. Some could move and work for other choosing the next king. lords (known as ceorls). Edward the Confessor was king 1042-66. Harold Godwinson: Harald Hardrada & Tostig vs. Harold Godwinson. SLAVES – servants who were seen more as o Strengths: very religious and a o Strengths: related to Edward through marriage property than people. respected law-maker/peacekeeper. (brother-in-law); claimed to have been Harold travelled north after hearing about o Weaknesses: northern England had appointed by Edward on his deathbed; was an Edwin and Morcar’s defeat. strong Viking links (Danelaw); he was experienced ruler and warrior (Earl of Wessex). He defeated Harald Hardrada and Tostig. EARLDOMS not a warrior, so relied on earls for o Weaknesses: wasn’t related to Edward by blood; This battle was important because it distracted Harold from the south major Earls collected taxes and kept 1/3 (very rich) strength; he allowed the Godwins to had already sworn to support William’s claim to consequences at Hastings! Earls were in charge of law and punishment in become very powerful. the throne (allegedly). Harald Hardrada – said he had inherited his claim their earldom. BATTLE #3: HASTINGS Earls were militarily strong; had professional ECONOMY from previous Viking kings (it was complicated): o soldiers called housecarls. Strengths: was a famously strong warrior; would October 14th 1066 Most trade was crops, wool and cloth. Traded be welcomed by the Danelaw parts of England; Harold Godwinson vs. William of Normandy with other countries (e.g. silver from Germany). supported by Tostig. William won because: LEGAL SYSTEM Most trade took place in burhs (large fortified o Weaknesses: wasn’t related to Edward by blood; o Norman strengths: Normans had a range towns) and cities (e.g. London, York) very complicated claim! of tactics including cavalry and archers; Collective responsibility – everyone responsible Most people lived in villages – wooden houses, William of Normandy – claimed he had been feigned retreat; William was a strong for hunting criminals (hue and cry). many relatives living together. promised the throne by Edward way back in 1051; leader. Wergild (‘man price’): murderer’s family paid said Harold confirmed this during 1064 embassy: o English weaknesses: English relied on one compensation to victim’s family. o LOCAL GOVERNMENT Strengths: was an excellent warrior; claim was tactic, shield wall, which became useless backed by the Pope; England already had good once broken; troops were exhausted Earldoms were divided into shires. Shire reeve THE CHURCH links with Normandy. having just come from Stamford Bridge; enforced law, provided men for the army and o Weaknesses: no evidence to support his claim. Harold lacked the element of surprise. maintained roads/defences. Church was very powerful and part of everyday life. Edgar the Aetheling – Edward’s teenage nephew: o Luck: The timing of the battles was Shires divided into hundreds divided into Church was organised into areas controlled by o Strengths: the only claimant with royal blood. unlucky for Harold; William was lucky to tithings (10 households) bishops. Bishops were rich and well-educated, o Weaknesses: only a teenager – far too weak to have crossed the Channel during autumn unlike priests who were ordinary people. Land measured in hides (approx. 120 acres). rule. storms. .